New Evangelization: Handing on Faith to the Next Generation

Alpha is a tool for evangelisation that is being used by thousands of Catholic parishes in over 70 countries around the world. Alpha is also run by churches of many other denominations to introduce people to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. This has led to more than 24 million people around the world experiencing Alpha. In particular, it is attracting many young people who are asking the question, ‘Is there more to life than this?’

Alpha is a kerygmatic tool for parish and community renewal: Alpha introduces people to the first proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Kerygma: ‘Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you, and now he is living at your side to enlighten, strengthen and free you.’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 164). Alpha invites people to respond to the good news through a decision to follow Jesus. Parishes around the world have seen significant growth in numbers and a new enthusiasm for mission. New members of the parish, having come to faith during Alpha, frequently join parish activities and bring the freshness and joy of their encounter with Christ into the life of the parish.

Alpha equips parishes to reach the cultural Catholics that are somewhat involved and to go out and to reach those who are outside the Church.

Alpha is a tool which helps parishes develop into ‘communities of missionary disciples’, fostering a renewal for the Christian community that desires to be transformed by evangelisation. It offers a simple and attractive invitation to those outside the Church to come and ask life’s big questions.

An evangelizing community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first, and therefore we can…go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast.’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 24)